Barb’s Card & Gift to close in McHenry

McHENRY – After 30-plus years in business, Barb’s Card and Gift, 1918 N. Richmond Road, has decided to close its doors.

All merchandise, fixtures, displays and equipment will be available during the store's liquidation sale Thursday.

An Apple iPad Mini will be given away in a “customer appreciation” drawing.

“From day one, my mom insisted that we focus on providing superior customer service.The type of personal service that is hard to find in today’s world”, said store owner Rich Anderson.

He said the liquidation sale will feature great values on top named gifts, collectibles, candles, wedding supplies and greeting cards such as Jim Shore, Precious Moments, Willow Tree, Russ Berrie and Ganz. Everything will be priced to liquidate.

Over the years, Barb’s Card and Gift, has transitioned through many stages and changes. The store was started as Barb’s Hallmark on Green Street in downtown McHenry by two sisters, Dale Anderson and Barb Hoyt in 1979. They moved the store in 1987 and were the first tenants in the McHenry Commons shopping center.Rich Anderson assumed responsibility for the store after his mom passed away in 2005.In 2010 the business became Barb's Card and Gift as a result of Hallmark changing its business model focusing on discounters and big-box stores.

Long-time customers will always remember that the store always had a little dog in the store to greet the customers.

“Retail is changing rapidly and it makes it extremely difficult to offer the value and service that we always have offered," Anderson said in a press release. “I have watched our retail market change and fewer and fewer locally owned retailers can compete. We have had a very good run for 30-plus years and we will truly miss our wonderful customers. But now seems to be the time for us to close and look for that next challenge in life. Thank you, McHenry.”